M-Braves Sweep Blue Wahoos
July 22, 2024
written by Bill Vilona
The weather broke favorably all weekend for the Blue Wahoos.
That became the best fortune of a rough return home.
The Mississippi Braves completed a three-game sweep Sunday, erupting with four runs in the 11th inning for a 5-1 win that included a pair of unwelcome records in Pensacola’s first homestand in 16 days at Blue Wahoos Stadium.
They struck out 22 times, surpassing the Blue Wahoos franchise record of 20 whiffs, which occurred twice – the last time in 2021.
A crowd of 4,737, just shy of a third consecutive capacity crowd at Blue Wahoos Stadium, watched the M-Braves righthander Drue Hackenberg – the Atlanta Braves’ second round draft pick in 2023 — produce his best professional outing. He struck out 16 of the 25 batters he faced, allowing just three hits and no walks in seven innings.
It was two strikeouts shy of the Southern League record set in 1979 by former long-time major league veteran Mike Boddicker. Hackenberg’s 16 Ks marked the most strikeouts against the Blue Wahoos by an opposing starter in franchise history.
Hackenberg, whose brother, Christian, was a former Penn State star quarterback who played in the NFL, and another older brother, Adam, is now in Triple-A with the Chicago Cubs organization, threw 67 strikes in 90 pitches.
Sunday’s game became a pitching-defense duel. Blue Wahoos starter Adam Laskey had a quality outing with five hits allowed in five innings with six strikeouts and no walks. The next four relievers who followed all put up zeroes.
But a familiar malady was the Blue Wahoos’ inability to get run production.
After the M-Braves scored a first-inning on a double by Cal Conley and Justin Dean’s single, Laskey got out of the inning with a double play and then did not allow two base runners in any inning the rest of his day.
The Blue Wahoos’ best inning at the plate occurred in the third. Sean Roby led off with a single. Dalvy Rosario followed with a single and Jacob Berry drove home Roby with his single. Berry had two of the Blue Wahoos’ five hits in the game.
Austin Roberts gave the Blue Wahoos a chance to win in walkoff style after recording two strong scoreless innings. When that didn’t work out in the ninth, the Blue Wahoos failed to deliver in the 10th with placement runner Zach Zubia stranded on third base with two outs.
In the 11th, the M-Braves scored their go-ahead run on a stolen base and wild pitch from reliever Matt Pushard. And then, M-Braves designated hitter Tyler Tolve followed with a three-run blast off Pushard to provide the insurance runs.
The Blue Wahoos (49-40) will now turn attention to their next home series, a six-game set against the Biloxi Shuckers who have the best second-half record in the Southern League.
Despite the sweep, however, the Blue Wahoos had the weather break in their favor each of three days after morning and early afternoon thunderstorms gave way to sunshine and calm conditions.
Sunday’s game featured “Dino Day” with costume and dinosaur figures throughout the ballpark.
Drone Show Wows Sellout Crowd in 5-1 Wahoos Loss
July 21, 2024
by Bill Vilona
The game itself evolved with the Blue Wahoos limited to few opportunities in a 5-1 loss against the Mississippi Braves.
But Saturday night’s sellout crowd at Blue Wahoos Stadium remained in their seats to become wowed by a Sky Elements Drone Show, one of the few of its kind shown at a Minor League Baseball stadium nationwide and the first in this region of the country.
Blue Wahoos owners Quint and Rishy Studer became enamored with the idea of bringing such an experience to Pensacola, along with the Beloit Sky Carp’s ABC Supply Stadium in Wisconsin, which hosted a show July 10.
The Studers wanted to provide both communities a drone show event that has primarily occurred, so far, only at Major League Baseball ballparks.
They made it happen two weeks apart.
After the Sky Elements company performed a show Friday in Orlando, the company’s production team stopped in Pensacola on its way back to its Fort Worth, Texas headquarters to produce Saturday’s show at Blue Wahoos Stadium. The 15-minute display featured an outline of a Blue Angels plane, which drew a loud cheer, and an outline of Florida with a baseball stopping at Pensacola’s location.
It became another unique event for the ballpark, featuring approximately 100 drones staged on the grass fronting the amphitheater located behind right field on the bayfront.
The show followed a game where M-Braves starter Lucas Braun held the Blue Wahoos to one hit and four walks in his six innings of work to record his second win. Braun was the Atlanta Braves’ sixth round draft pick in 2023 out of Cal State-Northridge.
Braun’s teammates gave him a 2-0 lead. Justin Dean scored an unearned run in the fourth inning after reaching on an infield error and scoring on a sacrifice fly.
Dean scored again in the sixth inning when he singled, stole second and scored on Keshawn Ogans’ single off Blue Wahoos starter Patrick Monteverde.
It was a hard-luck loss for Monteverde (1-1, 4.76 ERA), who allowed no walks, struck out five and was effective in his six innings, but received no run support.
The M-Braves broke open the game in the ninth inning by scoring three runs against Blue Wahoos reliever Woo-Suk Go, a 25-year old from South Korea, pitching for the first time in Pensacola. He was among the four prospects sent to the Miami Marlins from the San Diego Padres in exchange for MLB star and former Blue Wahoos player (2019) Luis Arraez, who has won the American League and National League batting titles.
The Blue Wahoos got a run in the ninth on Cody Morissette’s double that scored Zach Zubia.
The win enabled the M-Braves (42-46 overall, 11-9 in second half) to win the weekend series against the Blue Wahoos (49-39, 11-9) heading into Sunday’s series finale.
GAME NOTABLES
— The crowd Saturday broke into loud cheers for 6-year-old Abraham (Bram) Cook, who circled the bases on his “Home Run For Life” to celebrate being cancer-free after being diagnosed with stage 3 Burkitt Lymphoma, an aggressive form of lymphoma which affects white blood cells.
After four rounds of treatment at the Studer Family Children’s Hospital at Ascension Sacred Heart, which occurred last December, Cook returned home on Christmas Eve after showing good progress. In March, Bram rang the bell, surrounded by family and friends, to celebrate the end of his treatment. He is now in remission and was even able to return to school to finish Kindergarten with his classmates.
With his mother, Ashley, and father Aaron hugging and coaxing him into rounding the bases, Cook began running as players from both teams lined the baselines to high-five and congratulate him. It was a special moment at the end of the fifth inning.
— The Freeport Little League Association had a group outing of 100 people, including team members who were part of the on-field pregame events and ran out with players.
— Pensacola Christian College led a wide variety of faith organizations attending Saturday’s game with a 100-member group. Five church organizations were also in attendance.
— The sellout crowd of 5,038 was Pensacola’s 22nd capacity crowd in 43 home games.
WANT TO GO?
WHO: Mississippi Braves vs. Blue Wahoos
WHEN: Sunday, 4:05 p.m.
WHERE: Blue Wahoos Stadium
Blue Wahoos Return From Break; M-Braves Hold On For 5-4 Win
July 20, 2024
written by Bill Vilona
The Blue Wahoos returned home from their longest absence and were welcomed by a capacity crowd and a rare Friday night post-game fireworks display.
But opposing pitcher David Fletcher stole the show.
The former Los Angeles Angels infielder, whose teammates included two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani, picked up his first career professional win on the mound for the Mississippi Braves, bedeviling with his fluttering knuckleball to help produce a 5-4 victory against Pensacola at Blue Wahoos Stadium.
A crowd of 5,038 saw the first Blue Wahoos home game in 16 days, the largest gap at the bayfront ballpark in franchise history. The fans were treated to a variety of elements, but most notably how well Fletcher continued to fare pitching against the Blue Wahoos in his third start against them.
When Fletcher exited after six innings, the M-Braves had just rallied in the top of that inning. Tyler Tolve blasted a 3-run homer off Blue Wahoos starter Jeff Lindgren. Bryson Horne then followed with a one-out single to score Geraldo Quintero with the eventual winning run.
The Blue Wahoos were unable to dent the M-Braves bullpen, which finished the game by allowing just two baserunners in three innings.
Former Pensacola State College pitcher Patrick Halligan, a Virginia native, earned his second save by pitching the final two innings, recording three strikeouts and no walks.
After being gone for awhile, which included the Blue Wahoos having four days off from the Major League Baseball All-Star Game break
With Saturday’s game featuring a first-ever drone show, the Blue Wahoos opted to move the usual Saturday fireworks a day early.
And the crowd included two women, attired in special-made pink shirts, who are traveling the country visiting various minor league ballparks. The shirts included a checklist of cities on the back. They were visited during the game by Blue Wahoos owner Quint Studer.
After the M-Braves scored the game’s first run, the Blue Wahoos took a 3-1 lead when loading the bases without a hit. Fletcher walked Jakob Marsee, plunked Shane Sasaki, then hit Paul McIntosh to load the bases.
With two outs, Jacob Berry laced a two-run single, which became a three-run play when McIntosh scored on a throwing error.
In the fourth inning, Nathan Martorella homered off Fletcher.
But just as he had done in his previous two starts, Fletcher battled his way through innings and this time his teammates rallied to set him up for his first win in 13 starts since converting to a knuckleball-throwing right hander.
WANT TO GO/FOLLOW?
WHO: Mississippi Braves vs. Blue Wahoos
WHEN: Saturday, 6:05 p.m.
WHERE: Blue Wahoos Stadium
Catholic’s TJ McCants Drafted By Chicago White Sox
July 18, 2024
Pensacola Catholic High School graduate TJ McCants was selection in the 16th round of the 2024 MLB Draft by the Chicago White Sox.
McCants played college baseball at Ole Miss and Alabama. He went to the White Sox as the 469th overall pick.
In one season for the Crimson Tide, McCants made 56 starts for Alabama in the outfield. He had a .306 batting average with 17 home runs and 53 RBOs. McCants also had 14 stolen bases.
Tate Grad, UWF Standout Darrien McDowell Selected In 2024 MLB Draft
July 16, 2024
Tate High School graduate Darrien McDowell was selected by the San Diego Padres Monday in the sixth round of the 2024 MLB Draft.
McDowell, a junior first baseman for the University of West Florida Argos , was the 180th overall selection in the draft,. He was the first Division II player selected, and the first Argo drafted since 2015.
McDowell graduated from Tate High in 2020, and played at Pensacola State College before joining the UWF baseball team.
Last season at UWF, McDowell hit .442 with 27 home runs and 77 RBIs. He was the 2024 Division II Leader in home runs, total bases and slugging percentage, and was named the 2024 Gulf South Conference Player of the Year.
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Register Now For Northview Chiefs Football Camp
July 15, 2024
Northview Football will host a Youth Football Camp July 18-19 from 5-7 p.m. each evening.
Camp attendees will play and learn from Northview coaching staff and players.
Pre-registration is $50 or register day of the camp for $60. A t-shirt is included for all campers.
Activities Include:
- Position Drills – Learn proper technique for each camper’s position.
- Agility Drills – Learn different footwork, speed, and ball catching drills.
- Offensive/Defensive Groups – Learn how to run different formations and plays.
- Tackling – Learn blocking and safe tackling techniques.
- Chief Ball – Fun team competition at the end of camp.
Pre-register using Venmo to the NHS Quarterback Club @NarthviewHS-Chiefs
Cash or check payable to Northview High School accepted on the day of the camp.
Wahoos Drop Back-and-Forth Road Finale
July 15, 2024
written by Carter Bainbridge
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos (49-37) fell to the Rocket City Trash Pandas (43-43) in a tightly contested road series finale on Sunday afternoon.
Riding the momentum of six consecutive wins, the Wahoos took an immediate first-inning lead. A two-out fielding error by Rocket City left fielder Orlando Martinez opened the door for Pensacola designated hitter Zach Zubia, who belted his second home run of the series to put the Wahoos ahead 2-0.
Pensacola struggled for additional offense against Rocket City starter Chase Chaney, who settled into a rhythm throughout a four-inning outing. Meanwhile, the Trash Pandas chipped away against Blue Wahoos starter Jonathan Bermúdez (6.0 IP, 8 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 2 K). In the bottom of the third, a pair of Trash Panda singles and a passed ball set up second baseman Arol Vera, who hit a sacrifice fly to score center fielder Nelson Rada and cut the Wahoos’ lead to 2-1.
In the Rocket City fourth, two walks and a single loaded the bases for catcher Myles Emmerson, who swatted his second of four hits on the day to score two runs and give the Trash Pandas a 3-2 lead. Neither team would score again until the seventh when Pensacola third baseman Dalvy Rosario hit his first home run of the year off Rocket City righthander Brett Kerry (W, 1-0) to tie the game 3-3.
In the top of the ninth, Pensacola had an opportunity to take a late lead but stranded two runners aboard. In the bottom of the ninth, righthander Raffi Vizcaíno (L, 4-3) ran into early trouble. Rocket City third baseman Eric Wagaman led off the inning with a check-swing single into right, then advanced to second on a fielding error by Wahoos right fielder Jacob Berry. Right fielder Tucker Flint then reached base on a third-strike wild pitch. With runners at the corners and nobody out, Vizcaíno struck out the next two batters before allowing a walk-off single to Nelson Rada.
The 4-3 defeat snaps the Wahoos’ six-game winning streak and an 11-game winning streak at Toyota Field. Despite the loss, Pensacola ends the week with a 5-1 road series victory.
The Blue Wahoos return home on Friday, July 19 to face the Mississippi Braves. First pitch from Blue Wahoos Stadium is scheduled for 6:05 p.m.
Wahoos Explode in Extras, Win Sixth Straight
July 14, 2024
written by Erik Bremer
It took 11 innings, but the Pensacola Blue Wahoos extended their winning streak to a season-high six games with a 7-3 win over the Rocket City Trash Pandas on Saturday night.
The Blue Wahoos scored two runs in the tenth and four more in the eleventh to remain undefeated in extra-inning games, improving to a perfect 7-0 when playing beyond regulation.
The game began as a pitchers’ duel, as Rocket City’s Sam Bachman twirled 7.0 shutout innings and Pensacola’s Tristan Stevens countered with 6.0 innings of one-run ball.
On the strength of an Eric Wagaman RBI fielder’s choice in the sixth inning, Rocket City held a 1-0 lead until the eighth. Jakob Marsee began the inning with a single off reliever Eric Torres, then advanced to second before stealing third and scoring on a wild pitch to tie the game 1-1.
Anderson Pilar and Matt Pushard contributed scoreless relief for the Blue Wahoos to send the game to extras, where the Blue Wahoos immediately capitalized to take their first lead. Dalvy Rosario sent an infield chopper to first base, but an errant throw allowed a run to score. Marsee followed with an RBI single to bring home Rosario, putting the Blue Wahoos ahead 3-1.
On for the save, new arrival Woo-Suk Go (W, 1-0) struggled to protect the Pensacola lead. The reliever allowed an RBI double to Nelson Rada and a game-tying squeeze bunt to Mac McCroskey, but dug deep and struck out back-to-back batters with the winning run at second base to send the game to the 11th.
The Pensacola offense wasted no time in reclaiming the lead, as Rosario singled home the go-ahead run off reliever Brady Choban (L, 1-2). Marsee added a sacrifice fly before pinch-hitter Diego Infante singled home two more for a four-run inning and a 7-3 lead. Tyler Eckberg quickly dispatched the Trash Pandas in the bottom half to seal the sixth consecutive Blue Wahoos win.
The Blue Wahoos wrap up their series against the Trash Pandas on Sunday. First pitch from Toyota Field in Madison, Alabama is scheduled for 4:05 p.m.
Panhandle Dynasty 7U Wins World Series
July 14, 2024
Panhandle Dynasty 7U recently won the 2024 World Series. The champions went undefeated over four days of baseball. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Showstoppers 8U Wins Softball National Championship
July 13, 2024
The Showstoppers 8U softball team went undefeated to win the 2024 USSA National Championship in Gulf Shores this week.
Several players were honored for their outstanding performance:
Offensive Player of the Game: Cami Flynn
Defensive Player of the Game: Hensley Parkerson
MVP Pitcher: Ember Polk
Tournament MVP: Elouise Wade
Tournament scores were as follows:
Game 1: Showstoppers vs. Klutch: 11-1
Game 2: Showstoppers vs. Santa Rosa Schockwave: 18-11
Game 3: Showstoppers vs. River Region Misfits: 17-0
Game 4: Showstoppers vs. Oklahoma Chilis 12-3
Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.